Nintendo sets US and Japan Wii U release dates

Nintendo has the announced the release dates for its new Wii U console for the USA and Japan.

It is launching two models of its next generation Wii U console in the US on November 18th. In the Japan, the console will launch three weeks later on December 8th.

The system will be available in a standard white 8GB model and a black premium 32GB version.

In the US, the Basic set will retail for $300 (£186), while the Premium set will cost $350 (£217).

In Japan, the Basic set will retail for ¥26,250 (£210/$340), and the Premium for ¥31,500 (£250/$410).

Nintendo claimed the Wii U will be “20 times more powerful” than the Wii, and will support 1080p visuals.

The system will also pack 1GB of system memory and 1GB of game memory.

Game discs will include a 25GB capacity, whilst the Wii U will also be compatible with Wii games and peripherals.

The Wii U GamePad meanwhile is set to retail at ¥13,440 (£110/$170).

The Pro controller is valued at ¥5040 (£40/$65).

Nintendo’s release plans for North America were revealed by NOA president Reggie Fils-Aime during a press event in New York. This morning, Nintendo president Satoru Iwata revealed the detail for Japan.